For options, battery life and worth, Apple’s iPhone lineup has a mannequin for almost everybody. We’ve examined and reviewed the highly effective iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, the skinny and light-weight iPhone Air and the stable iPhone 17 to find out our greatest picks. After intensive testing, we expect the iPhone 17 is the only option for most individuals. It’s full of options for the worth and the battery lasts so long as the costlier iPhone 17 Pro. But it isn’t all 17s: the iPhone 16 continues to be accessible as a low-cost choice. And now there is a new entrant: the iPhone 17E, which was simply introduced. It appears to be like like a promising alternative for the present finest entry degree iPhone, the iPhone 16E, and we’ll be giving it a rigorous look as soon as it begins delivery. With the iPhone 17, Apple has considerably narrowed the chasm separating its baseline mannequin from its Pro counterparts. The $829 iPhone 17 (or $799 should you activate with a provider) shares most of the identical digital camera options with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, like Dual Capture and Center Stage. It additionally lastly will get a show with a 1-120Hz variable refresh fee, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in smoother scrolling and allow the always-on show and see your notifications at a look. And help for iOS 26 throughout the total iPhone 17 lineup means you’ll be able to entry Apple’s most talked-about new software program options like reside translation, name screening and the Liquid Glass redesign. All that with out spending upward of $1,100 for a Pro mannequin, albeit with barely scaled-back battery life and cameras.
Jump to particulars
Pros
Upgraded 1-120Hz showNew digital camera optionsLonger battery lifeFaster charging
Cons
Minimal design updates to final 12 monthsApple Intelligence can nonetheless really feel like a piece in progress
Expand Pros & Cons
From the primary second I picked up the brand new $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max and $1,099 17 Pro, I used to be beguiled by their daring, vivid redesign. It’s a whole turnaround from the years of Apple’s subdued titanium motif. The sq. digital camera bump of earlier Pro fashions is now a body-wide bar that Apple calls the “camera plateau.” The 17 Pro and Pro Max now are available in precise colours — you will not discover one in black or house grey. This cellphone, particularly in cosmic orange, needs you to take a look at it.
Jump to particulars
Pros
The 17 Pro Max’s unbelievable battery lifeThe brighter display appears to be like improbableCenter Stage digital camera with the flexibility to take panorama selfies vertically is nice
Cons
Wished Dual Capture had a 50/50 break upLive Translation’s Siri voice can overlap with speakersiPhone 17 Pro battery life is on par with the iPhone 16 ProExpensive
Expand Pros & Cons
The iPhone Air is the last word refresh, should you’re searching for one thing that appears and feels drastically totally different from most different units in the marketplace. It’s strikingly light-weight and slim, measuring simply 5.6mm thick and clocking in at 165 grams. If you are nervous about sturdiness, design parts just like the titanium body, Ceramic Shield 2 entrance and Ceramic Shield backing preserve it from bending out of practice in your pocket. A beneficiant 6.5-inch show makes it comfy to carry and pleasant to observe movies or play video games on.
Jump to particulars
Pros
Slick, light-weight designSurprisingly good battery life (typically)Impressively durableiOS 26 appears to be like nice
Cons
Single rear digital cameraScaled-back speakerOnly expenses as much as 20 wattsHigh $999 price ticket
Expand Pros & Cons
Apple took a Taco Bell-like strategy with the $599 iPhone 16E, mixing and matching elements and options from prior telephones to create a “new” iPhone. Its design and display are much like the iPhone 14. Its A18 processor is identical because the one within the iPhone 16. In my testing, I discovered that this provides the iPhone 16E a bizarre worth proposition. It’s new, nevertheless it’s previous. It’s inexpensive, however not low-cost.
Jump to particulars
Pros
Does a lot of the Apple stuff I would likeBattery life is niceMatte end againThe rear digital camera is goodA18 chip efficiency
Cons
$599 worth is not low-costOdd worth propositionLacks MagSafeScreen is sweet, however marvel the way it will age
Expand Pros & Cons
When we examined the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, we have been undoubtedly impressed by the pictures options, the handy Action button and the elegant construct. And whereas we expect the iPhone 17 is sort of the deal, you’ll be able to nonetheless snag the iPhone 16 for $100 much less. We take into account the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus to be top-notch decisions for Apple followers. Parts of the iPhone 16’s key characteristic, Apple Intelligence, are actually out, and the truth that these telephones will help it means they’ll seemingly really feel future-proofed for years to return. Aside from display measurement (6.1 inches on the common, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery measurement and worth, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are similar in each method.
Jump to particulars
Pros
Camera Control is helpful for switching digital camera settingsPhotographic Styles makes pictures popUltrawide digital camera is best in low mild
Cons
Apple Intelligence isn’t out butNo all the time on showNo modifications to wired charging speedsNo upgrades to the Action button
Expand Pros & Cons
MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK Deals are chosen by the CNET Group commerce crew, and could also be unrelated to this text.
This story is a part of Gift Guide, our year-round assortment of the very best present concepts.
What’s the very best iPhone proper now?The finest iPhone for most individuals is the iPhone 17. It shares many options with Apple’s pricier 17 Pro fashions, however at a decrease $829 beginning worth (or $799 should you activate by way of a provider). It helps the latest digital camera capabilities like Dual Capture and Center Stage, and in the end, it has a 1-120Hz variable refresh fee for smoother scrolling and help for the always-on show.While it is true that the iPhone 17 shares a hanging resemblance to final 12 months’s iPhone 16, there are some key updates that assist it stand out. Apart from the upgraded refresh fee, the iPhone 17 additionally boasts a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, together with an anti-reflective show that makes it simpler to see the display outside. The ultrawide digital camera goes from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16 to 48 megapixels on the iPhone 17, and Apple says the iPhone 17 has as much as eight hours extra of video playback. Indeed, in CNET’s three-hour streaming check, the iPhone 17’s battery dropped from 100% to 89%, whereas the iPhone 16 hit 86%. A Ceramic Shield 2 show affords 3 times higher scratch resistance, in keeping with Apple, so should you’re inclined to etching into your display, it has somewhat extra safety now. The iPhone 17 begins with a better 256GB storage choice, versus the 128GB start line on the iPhone 16, which means you get more room for pictures and apps. Unlike earlier iPhone generations, the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro fashions share nearly all the identical {hardware} options, other than the telephoto lens and larger battery on the latter. While Apple tends to introduce options just like the Dynamic Island and Action button on Pro fashions first, the 2 ends of the iPhone spectrum now pack all those self same {hardware} capabilities. The iPhone 17 additionally options all the brand new iOS 26 capabilities, resembling Live Translation, Call Screening and the brand new Liquid Glass interface.Best iPhones of 2026 Pros
Upgraded 1-120Hz show
New digital camera options
Longer battery life
Faster charging
Cons
Minimal design updates to final 12 months
Apple Intelligence can nonetheless really feel like a piece in progress
With the iPhone 17, Apple has considerably narrowed the chasm separating its baseline mannequin from its Pro counterparts. The $829 iPhone 17 (or $799 should you activate with a provider) shares most of the identical digital camera options with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, like Dual Capture and Center Stage. It additionally lastly will get a show with a 1-120Hz variable refresh fee, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in smoother scrolling and allow the always-on show and see your notifications at a look. And help for iOS 26 throughout the total iPhone 17 lineup means you’ll be able to entry Apple’s most talked-about new software program options like reside translation, name screening and the Liquid Glass redesign. All that with out spending upward of $1,100 for a Pro mannequin, albeit with barely scaled-back battery life and cameras.Why we prefer itThe iPhone 17 is a baseline cellphone that shares many {hardware} and software program options with the iPhone 17 Pro fashions, making it really feel like a worthy, money-saving contender to these pricier units. Generous battery life, sooner charging and digital camera upgrades assist it stand other than final 12 months’s iPhone 16, even when it appears to be like nearly similar. Who it is best forThe iPhone 17 is a superb alternative for the typical cellphone consumer who needs good cameras, stable battery life and a high quality show. It’s additionally measurement for anybody who does not like bigger telephones. Who should not get itIf you are a pictures fanatic and a very heavy cellphone consumer, the 17 Pros could be the way in which to go, since you’ll get a telephoto lens on the again, in addition to longer battery life. On the opposite hand, should you’re a lighter cellphone consumer, it can save you extra money by selecting the marginally extra budget-friendly $599 iPhone 16E. Pros
The 17 Pro Max’s unbelievable battery life
The brighter display appears to be like improbable
Center Stage digital camera with the flexibility to take panorama selfies vertically is nice
Cons
Wished Dual Capture had a 50/50 break up
Live Translation’s Siri voice can overlap with audio system
iPhone 17 Pro battery life is on par with the iPhone 16 Pro
Expensive
From the primary second I picked up the brand new $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max and $1,099 17 Pro, I used to be beguiled by their daring, vivid redesign. It’s a whole turnaround from the years of Apple’s subdued titanium motif. The sq. digital camera bump of earlier Pro fashions is now a body-wide bar that Apple calls the “camera plateau.” The 17 Pro and Pro Max now are available in precise colours — you will not discover one in black or house grey. This cellphone, particularly in cosmic orange, needs you to take a look at it.As I examined the brand new Pro telephones, I used to be constantly impressed: Even after a full day of heavy use, the Pro Max’s battery nonetheless had 22% or extra left. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the very best battery lifetime of any cellphone that CNET has ever examined.The 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max have the very same rear cameras, all with 48-megapixel sensors. You can select between the trio of lenses (wide-angle, ultrawide and telephoto) to seize pictures at 12-, 24- or 48-megapixel resolutions. The telephoto digital camera has gone from the 16 Pro’s 12-megapixel sensor with a 5x lens to a 48-megapixel sensor that is 56% bigger with a brand new 4x telephoto lens. You learn that proper: The new Pro has a shorter optical zoom than its predecessor. But I discover the brief 4x zoom higher for portraits, and the rise intimately and dynamic vary in 4x pictures is an enormous enchancment over 5x snaps from the 16 Pro.There’s a brand new selfie digital camera on each Pro telephones that Apple calls Center Stage. It not solely takes 18-megapixel selfies, up from 12 megapixels on the 16 Pro, however you’ll be able to maintain the 17 Pro vertically and take a horizontal selfie because of a brand new sq. picture sensor.I can not assist however distinction the iPhone 17 Pro fashions to Apple’s latest cellphone. The iPhone Air is skinny, mild, quiet and sleek — with a single rear digital camera, shorter battery life and $100 cheaper beginning worth. The 17 Pro and Pro Max are daring, loud, aggressive and highly effective, and their daring design appeals to me. But options resembling its wonderful battery life, brighter display, new selfie digital camera and iOS 26 are the actual causes to get both.Why we like itI respect that Apple gave the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max character. Gone is the minimal design for the sake of simplicity. We have a cellphone that’s extra sturdy, has an extended battery life, and, when working iOS 26, comes with a lot of important quality-of-life enhancements, like reside translations for calls, texts and FaceTime.Who it is best forThe iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max could be a superb improve for somebody coming from an iPhone 14 Pro or older. You get a much bigger battery, a greater display, sooner charging, newer cameras and a speedier processor that may deal with graphics-intensive video games and Apple Intelligence.Who should not get itIf you could have an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, you do not want these new telephones until battery capability in your present cellphone is low — and even then, it would be cheaper to easily have your battery swapped out. And until you could have a gracious disposable revenue, iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max homeowners can sit this one out.Read our iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max evaluate. Pros
Slick, light-weight design
Surprisingly good battery life (typically)
Impressively sturdy
iOS 26 appears to be like nice
Cons
Single rear digital camera
Scaled-back speaker
Only expenses as much as 20 watts
High $999 price ticket
The iPhone Air is the last word refresh, should you’re searching for one thing that appears and feels drastically totally different from most different units in the marketplace. It’s strikingly light-weight and slim, measuring simply 5.6mm thick and clocking in at 165 grams. If you are nervous about sturdiness, design parts just like the titanium body, Ceramic Shield 2 entrance and Ceramic Shield backing preserve it from bending out of practice in your pocket. A beneficiant 6.5-inch show makes it comfy to carry and pleasant to observe movies or play video games on.That doesn’t suggest there aren’t tradeoffs, which really feel particularly weighty given the iPhone Air’s $999 price ticket. A slimmer battery can imply shorter life on heavy-use days, and a single rear digital camera means you do not get ultrawide photographs or Cinematic mode in video. There’s additionally solely a single speaker as an alternative of the dual-speaker system on different iPhones, which may make audio much less immersive. The iPhone Air solely helps as much as 20-watt charging, versus the 40-watt charging you will discover on its iPhone 17 counterparts. But should you’re prepared to make some compromises, the super-sleek iPhone Air may be an pleasant funding.Read CNET’s iPhone Air evaluate.Why we like itAnnual cellphone upgrades usually really feel incremental, however the iPhone Air shakes issues up with a daring new design that rivals different skinny telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. The Air is remarkably mild, which makes it pleasant to make use of and will not crush your purse or pocket. Despite its shorter battery life below heavy-use situations, the iPhone Air carried out effectively in CNET’s battery checks and will maintain up simply fantastic on moderate-use days.Who it is best forIf you are not a very heavy cellphone consumer and need a gadget that places design on the forefront, the iPhone Air might be a stable alternative. Despite a scaled-back digital camera, the one rear 48-megapixel digital camera may take stable 2x zoom pictures, and an 18-megapixel selfie digital camera matches what you will discover on the iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.Who should not get itOn the opposite hand, should you do use your cellphone lots and have an affinity for pictures, the iPhone Air won’t be the only option for you. The lack of an ultrawide (plus no telephoto) lens would possibly really feel a bit too restrictive, and the battery could not be capable of sustain along with your extra intensive display time. Pros
Does a lot of the Apple stuff I would like
Battery life is nice
Matte end again
The rear digital camera is sweet
A18 chip efficiency
Cons
$599 worth is not low-cost
Odd worth proposition
Lacks MagSafe
Screen is sweet, however marvel the way it will age
Apple took a Taco Bell-like strategy with the $599 iPhone 16E, mixing and matching elements and options from prior telephones to create a “new” iPhone. Its design and display are much like the iPhone 14. Its A18 processor is identical because the one within the iPhone 16. In my testing, I discovered that this provides the iPhone 16E a bizarre worth proposition. It’s new, nevertheless it’s previous. It’s inexpensive, however not low-cost.If you are rocking an iPhone SE, an iPhone 11 or older, the 16E shall be a pleasant improve in each method, from the digital camera to the battery life — though you would possibly miss that ultrawide digital camera. I additionally suppose that this can be a good cellphone for folks utilizing Android telephones who need to swap and dip the proverbial toe into Apple’s waters. I do suggest trying into provider offers, reductions and trade-ins to drop that worth a bit, until you are set on doing an installment plan over a few years. Read our iPhone 16E evaluate.Why we prefer itAfter testing the iPhone 16E, I used to be most stunned by how splendidly uneventful it was to make use of. Along with all the usual iOS 18 capabilities and goodies, like iMessage and FaceTime, I used Apple Intelligence, made calls on 5G, took a bunch of share-worthy pictures and movies and performed video video games like Resident Evil 4. If that is all you need in an iPhone, look no additional.Who it is best forIf you are rocking an iPhone SE, an iPhone 11 or older, the 16E shall be a pleasant improve in each method, from the digital camera to the day plus battery life — although you would possibly miss that ultrawide digital camera.Who should not get itChoosing between the $829 iPhone 16 and the $599 16E is a tricky alternative. If you could have the price range, I’d go along with the common 16. You get a brighter display, MagSafe and an ultrawide digital camera that doubles as a macro lens — nice for taking close-up pictures, resembling meals, as the principle digital camera robotically switches to a cropped model of the ultrawide in an effort to nail focus. Pros
Camera Control is helpful for switching digital camera settings
Photographic Styles makes pictures pop
Ultrawide digital camera is best in low mild
Cons
Apple Intelligence isn’t out but
No all the time on show
No modifications to wired charging speeds
No upgrades to the Action button
When we examined the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, we have been undoubtedly impressed by the pictures options, the handy Action button and the elegant construct. And whereas we expect the iPhone 17 is sort of the deal, you’ll be able to nonetheless snag the iPhone 16 for $100 much less. We take into account the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus to be top-notch decisions for Apple followers. Parts of the iPhone 16’s key characteristic, Apple Intelligence, are actually out, and the truth that these telephones will help it means they’ll seemingly really feel future-proofed for years to return. Aside from display measurement (6.1 inches on the common, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery measurement and worth, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are similar in each method.The iPhone 16 isn’t good — it’s lacking an always-on show, and it feels prefer it’s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. But it checks all of the vital containers after which some.Why we prefer itThe iPhone 16 and 16 Plus rank so excessive in our testing as a result of they attraction to novice customers and energy gamers. They provide about 90% of the expertise of Apple’s Pro fashions however price a whole bunch of {dollars} much less. Not solely is the iPhone 16 an exquisite cellphone out of the field, however Apple has an extended observe file of updating its software program and safety patches for years.Who it is best forWhen you concentrate on how the Camera Control key, the Action button and the Dynamic Island come collectively, together with the digital camera and battery enhancements Apple has made within the final a number of years, the iPhone 16 is a compelling improve for somebody coming from an older iPhone, particularly in the event that they’re on an iPhone 13 or older. For those that don’t want the Pro’s further pictures prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 received’t disappoint. Who shouldn’t get itI would not suggest shopping for the iPhone 16 only for the Camera Control button or the higher ultrawide digital camera. Get the iPhone 17 free whenever you swap to T-Mobile with an Experience Beyond or Better Value plan. You don’t have to fret about sending in your previous cellphone to benefit from this deal: There’s no trade-in required. It takes simply 15 minutes to modify, and you will get your cellphone in the present day with free same-day supply in choose areas. Best iPhone fashions in contrast undefined Apple iPhone 17Apple iPhone AirApple iPhone 17 ProApple iPhone 17 Pro MaxApple iPhone 16EApple iPhone 16 Display measurement, tech, decision, refresh fee 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate6.5-inch OLED; 2,736 x 1,260 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate6.9-inch OLED; 2,868 x 1,320 pixel decision; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate6.1-inch OLED show; 2,532×1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel decision; 60Hz refresh ratePixel density 460ppi460ppi460ppi460ppi460 ppi460 ppiDimensions (inches) 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 in6.15 x 2.94 x 0.22 in5.91 x 2.83 x 0.34 in6.43 x 3.07 x 0.34 in5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in.5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inDimensions (millimeters) 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64 mm150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mmWeight (grams, ounces) 177 g (6.24 oz)165 g (5.82 oz)206 g (7.27 oz)233 g (8.22 oz)167g (5.88 oz.)170 g (6 oz.)Mobile software program iOS 26iOS 26iOS 26iOS 26iOS 18iOS 18Camera 48-megapixel (huge) 48-megapixel (ultrawide)48-megapixel (huge)48-megapixel (huge) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 48-megapixel (4x, 8x telephoto)48-megapixel (huge) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 48-megapixel (4x, 8x telephoto)48-megapixel (huge)48-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)Front-facing digital camera 18-megapixel18-megapixel18-megapixel18-megapixel12-megapixel12-megapixelVideo seize 4K4K4K4K4K4KProcessor Apple A19Apple A19 ProApple A19 ProApple A19 ProApple A18Apple A18RAM + storage RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GBRAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TBRAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TBRAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TBRAM unknown + 128GB, 256GB, 512GBRAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GBExpandready storage NoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNone (Face ID)Battery Up to 30 hours video playback; as much as 27 hours video playback (streamed)Up to 27 hours video playback; as much as 22 hours video playback (streamed). Up to 40 hours video playback, as much as 35 hours video playback (streamed) with iPhone Air MagSafe BatteryUp to 33 hours video playback; as much as 30 hours video playback (streamed).Up to 39 hours video playback; as much as 35 hours video playback (streamed).Up to 26 hours video playback, 21 hours streamed video playback, 90 hours of audio playback. 20W wired charging, 7.5W Qi wi-fi chargingUp to 22 hours video playback; as much as 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 25W with 30W adapter or larger; Qi2 as much as 15WFingerprint sensor None (Face ID)None (Face ID)None (Face ID)None (Face ID)None, Face IDNone (Face ID)Connector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneParticular options Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, mist blue, sage, lavender. Fast cost as much as 50% in 20 minutes utilizing 40W adapter or larger by way of charging cable. Fast cost as much as 50% in 30 minutes utilizing 30W adapter or larger by way of MagSafe Charger.Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Apple C1X mobile modem. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colors: house black, cloud white, mild gold, sky blue. Fast cost as much as 50% in 30 minutes utilizing 20W adapter or larger by way of charging cable. Fast cost as much as 50% in 30 minutes utilizing 30W adapter or larger by way of MagSafe Charger.Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. ProRes Raw video recording. Genlock video help. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colors: silver, cosmic orange, deep blue. Fast cost as much as 50% in 20 minutes utilizing 40W adapter or larger by way of charging cable. Fast cost as much as 50% in 30 minutes utilizing 30W adapter or larger by way of MagSafe Charger.Apple N1 wi-fi networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. ProRes Raw video recording. Genlock video help. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness show vary. IP68 resistance. Colors: silver, cosmic orange, deep blue. Fast cost as much as 50% in 20 minutes utilizing 40W adapter or larger by way of charging cable. Fast cost as much as 50% in 30 minutes utilizing 30W adapter or larger by way of MagSafe Charger.Action button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Shield, Emergency SOS, satellite tv for pc connectivity, IP68 resistanceApple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits show brightness vary, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine.US worth begins at $829 (256GB), $1,029 (512GB)$999 (256GB)$1,099 (256GB)$1,199 (256GB)$599 (128GB)$829 (128GB) In September 2025, we added the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and that iPhone 17 Pro Max to this checklist. The new Pro telephones substitute the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. Hold the iPhone first: You could love or hate the way in which it appears to be like and feels in particular person.Don’t low cost final 12 months’s mannequin: Apple has a historical past of preserving latest iPhone fashions from earlier years round at a lower cost. You can get a fantastic cellphone that does nearly every part {that a} new iPhone can do for a fraction of the worth. The iPhone 16 packs a fantastic digital camera and an enormous battery, however comes at a extra affordable worth.Buy an iPhone case and display protector: You’ll shield your iPhone from expensive harm and can improve the cellphone’s resale or trade-in worth whenever you’re prepared to maneuver on.Know what you care about most: Is it display measurement? Camera high quality? Battery life? Phones just like the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, for instance, pack unbelievable cameras that nearly rival the standard you’d get from a DSLR. If you are a photographer, then spending cash right here is a good suggestion.Seek out vacation reductions: Look for deep reductions and promo offers round main holidays. And discover out what your grace interval is in case you want a fast return or trade. We check each iPhone in real-world eventualities specializing in its options, design, efficiency, cameras, battery life and general worth. We doc our findings in an preliminary evaluate that’s periodically up to date when there are new iOS updates or to match in opposition to new telephones from opponents like Samsung, Google and OnePlus. John Kim/CNETPhotographyPhotography is a significant focus for the iPhone, so we take photos and movies of varied topics in a wide range of settings and lighting eventualities. We check out any new digital camera modes, resembling Center Stage on the iPhone 17 sequence and Air which helps you to take a horizontal selfie even when your holding the cellphone vertically.Battery lifeBattery testing is carried out in a wide range of methods. We assess how lengthy the iPhone lasts throughout a typical day of use, and be aware the way it performs throughout extra centered periods of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We additionally conduct a video playback check and a 45-minute drain check beginning with a full battery, which is not all the time included within the preliminary evaluate and added later in an replace. Tharon Green/CNETPerformance measuringWe use benchmarking apps to measure the efficiency, alongside our personal anecdotal experiences utilizing the cellphone for our evaluate. Of explicit be aware are how graphics and animations look. Are they clean? Or do they lag or stutter? We additionally have a look at how rapidly the cellphone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how briskly the digital camera app opens and is able to take a photograph. Emergency SOS could be some of the vital options to return out on any cellphone this 12 months. Kevin Heinz/CNETWe carry out processor-heavy duties like modifying pictures and movies, exporting movies and taking part in video games. We consider whether or not a more recent model of the iPhone contains sufficient options to make it value upgrading from older fashions. Some of those checks are added later in updates after the preliminary evaluate is printed. Read extra: How CNET Tests Phones While Apple does not promote the iPhone 16 Pro and that iPhone 15 Pro, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover it at carriers and third-party retailers. The 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch adaptive-refresh fee display that adjusts between 1-120Hz relying on what’s on the display. It has glorious cameras, a quick processor, an always-on show, helps iOS 18 and security options like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS by way of Satellite. Driving all these upgrades is Apple’s A17 Pro chip which in use feels peppy. The iPhone 15 Pro continues to be a superb cellphone in 2026. Check out our iPhone 15 Pro evaluate. eSIMAn eSIM takes the entire vital details about your cellphone account — together with its quantity, wi-fi provider and subscription — and shops it in software program as an alternative of on a bodily SIM card.Since the iPhone 14 sequence, Apple now not features a bodily SIM card tray and embraced embedded SIM playing cards within the US. This means you’ll be able to’t simply pluck your SIM card out of your present cellphone and put it into a brand new one. But this should not have an effect on your expertise as all the most important US carriers and a lot of smaller operators work with eSIM.Apple has lengthy supported eSIM, courting to 2018’s iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. When establishing a brand new iPhone 14, 15 or 16, the gadget will information you thru transferring your present supplier over to the brand new cellphone. A listing of supported wi-fi networks may be discovered on Apple’s web site.iOS 26Apple’s iOS 26 animations have seemingly comedian e-book character skills. Every time I unlock my cellphone, the apps delightfully assemble on the house display just like the 5 lion robots uniting collectively to turn into Voltron. The lock display clock extends round my chosen photograph like Mr. Fantastic. The management heart pulls down as if I have been stretching a bit of taffy.The unified look of the Liquid Glass interface throughout apps, the Home Screen and lock display give the iPhone a up to date, slick and glossy, plastic sweet really feel. For all the sweetness Liquid Glass provides, although, a number of the heat of earlier iOS variations is gone.There are small however important gems buried in iOS 26’s design, together with the flexibility so as to add a background picture to group chats in Messages or use the brand new Hold Assist software for cellphone calls. When is the very best time of 12 months to purchase a brand new iPhone? Typically you will see that the very best offers on iPhones the month after new fashions launch. That means with the iPhone 17 launch in September, the very best reductions and trade-in offers have been from early September to early October.
Show extra
In the early days of smartphones the iPhone vs. Android rivalry was at it peak. But in 2026, the distinction between Android and iOS has shrunk fairly a bit. Nearly every part you are able to do on an iPhone, you are able to do on an Android cellphone and vice versa. If you are attempting to resolve between shopping for an iPhone or Android telephones, first begin by seeing what telephones your loved ones and closest associates use. For instance, if your loved ones is on iPhone and makes use of providers like iMessage and FaceTime, then it is sensible to buy an iPhone.
Show extra
Should I look forward to the brand new iPhone mannequin (iPhone 18)? The iPhone 17 is now out, and that iPhone 18 won’t launch till February 2027. Rumors level to Apple launching the iPhone 18 Pro and that iPhone Fold in September 2026.
Show extra
How dependable is an iPhone? Apple has been promoting iPhones since 2007. The present lineup was launched in September 2025 and all have a mud and water resistance ranking of IP68, which implies they will survive being submerged below 6 meters of water (about 20 ft) for 30 minutes. The screens are coated in Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2 which is a glass-ceramic materials created by Corning, in collaboration with Apple, and consists of nano-ceramic crystals embedded within the glass matrix. It’s extremely clear, and in keeping with Corning, the robust construction shaped by the crystals means it is much less prone to break.
Show extra
How lengthy does an iPhone final? One option to measure how lengthy an iPhone will final is to take a look at the software program and safety help Apple affords for older fashions. iOS 26 can run on Apple telephones as previous as 2019’s iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. That’s roughly seven years of software program help. Compare that to Samsung, which affords seven years of Android model upgrades and safety updates. But software program is just half the equation. The different half is {hardware} and sturdiness. Every iPhone Apple sells has an IP ranking for mud and water resistance. Newer fashions even have Ceramic Shield, a glass-ceramic hybrid, that covers the show and could be very sturdy.
Show extra
We do not anticipate Apple to launch any new iPhones till February 2026 — presumably the iPhone 17E. But there are already rumors of a September reveal for the iPhone 18 Pro and a attainable iPhone Fold, which might be Apple’s first foldable cellphone. Other rumors level to Apple debuting the bottom mannequin iPhone 18 in February 2027 — a shift from how Apple usually has introduced its new iPhone fashions.